The introduction of End-of-Life Vehicle programs 15 years ago, where the producer of the car also is responsible for the recycling, is the reason that the recycling rate is now about 95% in the developed countries. Unfortunately, the developing countries are still to follow. The main issue for them is how to handle non-ferrous metals, plastics and rubber that are more difficult to recycle than steel and iron.

Although the high oil price, the number of vehicles worldwide has increased with more than 80% over the last 20 years to more than 1.4 billion, projected to pass 2 billion in year 2030.

Argument: According to the report Managing the Future - World Vehicle Forecasts and Strategies to 2020 the developing countries are facing an environmental challenge in taking care of their auto scrap by year 2020. The projected numbers of vehicles in 2020 and 2030 are from Vehicle Ownership and Income Growth, Worldwide: 1960-2030.

Questions: How long will it be until End-of-Life Vehicle programs have an effect in the developing countries? What other developments are to be expected in recycling cars?